Mumbai: RTO to keep eye on staff behaviour in school buses

Aiming at effective implementation of the school bus policy, the Wadala regional transport office (RTO) has decided to also monitor the non-technical aspects of school buses along with technical ones.

Till now, authorities have been focusing on aspects such as whether school buses are painted yellow, are fitted with speed governors and grills, etc. They have now decided to closely inspect aspects such as availability of female attendants, drivers and cleaners’ interaction with students and whether the driver follows traffic rules.

The RTO will kick off its drive this week, during which plain-clothes officials will scrutinise buses at pick-up and drop points. “We have formed three flying squads of two officials each. Most school buses are now mechanically fit, and we need to press on other aspects that ensure students’ safety,” said a senior official from Wadala RTO.

More than 700 vehicles — 277 buses and 457 vans — ply students in the eastern suburbs to 38 schools. “It’s difficult for us to check each and every bus. If we receive any complaint from parents, we will initiate action,” the official said.